The NBA's controversial 65-game requirement will undoubtedly be a focus of discussion this offseason.
For those who don't care, the NBA, for the first time in league history, is requiring players to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for postseason awards.
If a player cannot meet that requirement, he or she is not eligible to receive prestigious awards such as MVP or Defensive Player of the Year. Additionally, he will not be eligible to be on any of the three All-NBA teams or the two All-Defensive teams. If a player fails to win one of these awards, he could miss out on hundreds of millions of dollars.
Kevin Durant was the first player to advocate for this new rule when it was announced as a possibility for this season. Indeed, it's as controversial now as it was then. Many players have already been removed from consideration for the award.
Let's take a look at the list so far.
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Porzingis has missed multiple games so far this year due to a lingering injury. He has played 45 games, but has missed so many games that he is not eligible for postseason awards.
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Draymond Green's suspension early in the season was a big factor in keeping him out of postseason awards contention.
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There was no doubt that OG Anunoby would be loved by the All-Defensive team because of his play after being traded to the Knicks. However, he has missed 18 consecutive games with an elbow injury and is currently ineligible for postseason awards.
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Jimmy Butler has been in and out of the Heat's lineup this season due to various injuries. He has played in 45 games so far this year, but hasn't reached the threshold.
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LaMelo Ball has appeared in just 22 games this season and is currently missing 21 consecutive games with Charlotte. It's been a tough season for the Hornets' point guard.
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Bradley Beal has played in 35 games for Phoenix this season, the fewest among the team's Big Three of Kevin Durant, Beal and Devin Booker.
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Murray has appeared in 48 games so far this season. just He sprained his ankle at the beginning of the month and missed the 65-game cap. He doesn't have a chance to make the All-NBA team this year.
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Evan Mobley is back on the road to recovery after spraining his ankle in the Cavaliers' epic come-from-behind win against the Celtics. He's only played in 38 games this season, which is a shame because he was one of the best defenders in the NBA.
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Khris Middleton has been in and out of the Bucks' lineup all season. He has only played in 33 games so far this year.
Doc Rivers said Middleton is “doing well” since his ankle injury, but it's still unclear when he will return.
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Tyler Herro has only played in 36 games this season and is currently sidelined in Miami with a foot injury.
